In the Blade's Hilt |A tale from Triterra|

Chapter 31 - The Hollow

"So you learnt this in your dream?" asked Jenna, referring to the orb of light that was hovering behind Blue.  

"Yeah.  These glowing runes just flashed in front my eyes and bam, spell learned" replied Blue as he brushed a root out of his way.

"Hurry up, you two" Ty called from up ahead, "The sooner we talk to this "Dryad", the sooner I can find a nice, warm tavern"

They walked in silence through the tunnel.  After a while the orb of light extinguished itself. causing the trio to notice the pale green light give off by strange plants that grew along the walls.  At last they arrived in a colossal cave.  Light shone down from a large opening in the ceiling.  It was a strange sight.  Verdant grass covered every inch of floor and a large willow tree grew in the centre.  Dotted around the tree were strange trees.  They bore no leaves and roughly resembled people.  As they walked towards the large tree, Blue approached one of the wooden figures.  It had long, narrow fingers,  Branches grew from the top of its head.  It had no mouth, but it had two large eyes, that were closed shut.  As Blue extended his arm to touch it, they eyes snapped open suddenly, causing him to jump back.  It stared at him for a moment before turning its head and closing its eyes again.  Jenna ran up to him.

"What was that"? she asked curiously,

"I think it was a spriggan" answered Blue.

"A sprig-what?"

"They're like tree creatures.  Elves often use them to do tough manual labour.  I have never seen one before, but I have read about them."

"What is it doing here?"

"Probably waiting to grow into an ent"

"What is a-"

"An even bigger tree thing"

"WILL YOU TWO STOP BLATHERING AND HURRY UP!" called Ty, who was now at the base of the tree.  There was an opening in the roots.  As Ty was about to crawl inside, a voice sounded in everyones ears.

"Only the boy" it said.

Ty turned to Blue and motioned towards the hole.

"Ladies first" he said.

Blue began to crawl through the hole, but not before giving Ty a kick in the shins.  The opening lead to a tunnel so small that Blue had to stoop.  He could see a speck of light at the end.  When he reached it, he couldn't believe his eyes.